Revitalised Neath ready to end long wait for silverware
THERE was a time when Neath were among the most feared club sides in European rugby and were represented by some of Wales’ greatest players.
With the advent of regional rugby in 2003 they were demoted to semi-professional status, but the silverware kept coming as they were crowned Welsh Premiership champions a further five times.
But financial difficulties hit with the club being declared insolvent in July 2018. However, they were saved by Cambria Sports Group, and their ambitious chief executive Matt Church, who has put the club back on the right track to success.
On Saturday they will get the chance to lift silverware for the first time in 12 years as they take on Bargoed at the Principality Stadium in the Championship Cup final.
“It has been a long road to get where we are now, and a lot of people have worked very hard to pull the club up out of the gutter,” said Church.
“A few short years ago there was a very real possibility that a worldwide recognised rugby club like Neath would cease to exist. But we have grafted on and off the field to push the club forward and secure its long-term future.
“To play for silverware at the Principality Stadium is a big lift for the players, coaches, and our supporters. The whole town are looking forward to it, and we are taking a lot of fans with us to Cardiff.”
Neath have been in the second tier Championship for a few years, but Church has put plans in place which he hopes will see them regain their Premiership status and soon be back competing at the top of semi-professional rugby in Wales.
“We are relatively happy with how things have gone since Cambria Sports Group has taken over,” said Church. “However, I’m not the sort of person who sits on their laurels, and we have built a strong culture at Neath.
“We will raise the club’s playing budget next season, and Pat (Horgan) and his team are busy trying to strengthen the squad. Our goal is to be up there competing in the Premiership, and it’s our job to help make that a reality.”
Neath head coach Horgan is also confident Neath can lift some silverware. “There’s been some dark times at the club so it’s nice to see us come out the other end,” he said.
“Bargoed beat Pontypool convincingly last week and are a very physical side so we know we will need our best performance of the season to win. I think it’s about mindset and matching them physically. If we can do that it can be our day.”